Intergenerational Ministry for the Post-pandemic Church
Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says siloed age-level ministries often prevent congregations from worshiping together around one common table. But the pandemic provided an opportunity…
Browsing: Faith Formation
Articles
A Growing Church Understands the Interconnection between Discipleship and Evangelism
Rev. Dr. Michael L. Henderson Sr. describes how a church he planted grew to over 7,000 members through an intentional process for developing disciples grounded…
8 Strategies for Reaching and Developing Gen Z
How can congregations build meaningful connections with young adults? Brandi Nicole Williams, Director for the African American Church Evangelism Institute, offers eight practical strategies for…
5 Compass Points Guide Character Formation and Lifelong Discipleship for Youth
The Fuller Youth Institute’s “Faith Beyond Youth Group” research initiative explored character as the vehicle for both faith longevity and faith vibrancy throughout the week.…
Helping Youth Form a Lasting Faith: An In-Depth Interview with Brad Griffin
How can your youth ministry cultivate a faith that stays with a young person as they mature through adulthood? Ann Michel of the Lewis Center…
“New Approaches to Help Youth Form Lasting Faith” featuring Brad Griffin
Podcast Episode 140 How can your youth ministry cultivate a faith that stays with a young person as they mature through adulthood? We speak with…
7 Trends Impacting Church Leadership for 2024
Ann Michel, Doug Powe, and Jessica Anschutz of the Lewis Center staff identify seven trends church leaders should keep in mind as they develop creative…
Discipleship and Mission in the Micro Church Movement in Australia: An In-depth Interview with Bree Mills
What are micro churches and how do they disciple missional leaders? Bree Mills, director of Micro Churches Australia shares about the characteristics of micro churches,…
“Discipleship and Mission in the Micro Church Movement in Australia” featuring Bree Mills
Podcast Episode 135 What are micro churches and how do they disciple missional leaders? In this episode, Bree Mills, director of Micro Churches Australia, shares…
Understanding the Cultural Realities of Children and Youth Today
Janet Craswell and Angela Pupino of National United Methodist Church say ministries with children and youth were severely impacted by the pandemic and are still…
5 Key Principles for Fostering Generosity in Children
Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff says the church needs to renew efforts to foster generosity in our children. She shares five principles that…
Leading Voices: “Great Leaders are Teachers and Learners”
“Great Leaders are Teachers and Learners” is presented by Gretchen Rehberg, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Spokane. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Lewis…
6 Tools for Holy Work With Children
Tanya Campen offers six tools to help children process their experiences and discoveries about God. Through story, liturgy and ritual, relational awareness, memory markers, wonder,…
4 Functions of a Church Choir
Brian Hehn says a church can have a vital music ministry if its choir focuses on four key functions — leading and enlivening congregational singing,…
4 Characteristics of Good Discipling Relationships
Phil Maynard and Eddie Pipkin say education-based approaches to spiritual formation often fail to form disciples committed to Christlike living. They suggest doing what Jesus…
Creating a Safe Space for Holy Work with Children
Tanya Campen describes how practicing respect, preparation, and presence create safe spaces where children are valued and respected. She highlights the importance of preparing ourselves…
The Changing Contours of Youth Ministry: An In-Depth Interview with Deech Kirk
What new approaches to youth ministry are emerging in our post-Covid era? Ann Michel interviews Deech Kirk of the Center for Youth Ministry Training. He…
4 Steps for Developing a Digital Community Strategy
Deanna Bartalini and Claudia McIvor say gathering people virtually is not that different than gathering in person. Both require intentionality, as well as a plan,…
“The Changing Contours of Youth Ministry” featuring Deech Kirk
Podcast Episode 127 What new approaches to youth ministry are emerging in our post-Covid era? Deech Kirk of the Center for Youth Ministry Training describes…
7 Tips for Sharing Your Congregation’s Story on Social Media
How do you effectively share your congregation’s story via social media to reach new people? Tim Welch offers seven tips for sharing your congregation’s story…
Engaging Children Through Active Wondering
Tanya Campen describes how engaging children through active wondering creates space for them to share freely and nurtures honest conversation. She equips teachers and guides…
Two Approaches to Digital Playlists for Faith Formation
How can a digital playlist enhance hybrid and online faith formation? John Roberto shares two approaches for creating digital playlists to strengthen faith formation. The…
Is Spiritual Maturity a Prerequisite for New Church Leaders?
Ann Michel of the Lewis Center questions the common advice that churches should only invite those who are already spiritually mature into leadership roles. She…
The Holy Work of Hybrid and Virtual Christian Education: An In-Depth Interview with Tanya Campen
How can Christian educators maximize the potential for learning in both hybrid and virtual classrooms? Doug Powe of the Lewis Center staff speaks with author…
“The Holy Work of Hybrid and Virtual Christian Education” featuring Tanya Campen
Podcast Episode 121 How can Christian education maximize the potential for learning in both hybrid and virtual classrooms? We speak with author and pastor Tanya…
Helping People Connect with God through Nature
The natural world is our first way of knowing God, says Beth Norcross, an expert in spirituality and nature. Finding God in nature can reconnect…
6 Traits People Value in Online Faith Communities
In the rush to offer online worship, many churches have focused primarily on technical and programmatic concerns. Heidi Campbell says it’s more important to consider…
“Gen Z and Mental Health: Insights for Faith Leaders” featuring Josh Packard
Podcast Episode 115 How can church leaders better reach Gen Z? In this episode, Josh Packard shares findings from the Springtide Research Institute on what…
Gen Z and Mental Health: An In-depth Interview with Josh Packard
How can church leaders better reach Gen Z? Doug Powe, Director of the Lewis Center, speaks with Josh Packard about Springtide Research Institute’s research including…
10 Ways to Help Children Grow in Faith and Generosity
How can parents shape a generous spirit in their children? Ken Sloane outlines ten practical ways families can focus more intentionally on giving and gratitude,…
